Jackson Hastings remains in Super League on one-year extension with Salford Devils

Exiled playmaker Jackson Hastings will continue his young career
in England after agreeing to a one-year contract extension with
Salford Devils.

Booted from Manly midway through the 2018 season, the
22-year-old has been a revelation overseas as he helped Salford
finish top of the Qualifiers table and retain their place in the
Super League.

No NRL clubs were willing to take the gamble on the playmaker
after being moved on from two clubs in three years in the midst of
a player feud that divided Manly, forcing him to use the Super
League to ressurect his career.

Hastings declared he wanted to repay the faith Salford put into
him and the club was the only consideration that crossed his
mind.

“In the end it was a pretty easy decision to be honest,''
Hastings told the club's website.

“When I laid in bed at night weighing up my options I really
couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else over here.

“The amount of support the club gave me through a tough time in
my life, the love that I’ve got from the fans and the respect I’ve
got from the playing group is something that if I’d walked away
from it I know I wouldn’t have been happy with.

“I’m happy with my decision and hopefully we can kick on and
have a good season next year.”

The one-year deal insinuates Hastings may one day have plans to
return Down Under, hoping his recent form catches the eye of the 16
NRL clubs who had previously shut him out.

Accustomed to playing under the wing of recognised halfbacks
such as Daly Cherry-Evans and Mitchell Pearce, Hastings has stepped
into the chief playmaker shoes and has been handed the reins at his
new club.

“His energy and enthusiasm around the Club and the boys is
infectious and you can see in the games he’s played how it lifts
people around him. We have always had effort and commitment from
our team but Jackson has lifted the pressure and allowed others to
just play and enjoy the game,'' Salford coach Ian Watson said.

“Jackson wants to lead a team and be the dominant half and that
fits perfectly within our team dynamics.

“I hope Jackson can continue to enjoy his football and show
everyone over the next twelve months how good a signing he is.”